VI Sunday of the Year

GOING BEYOND THE BOOK

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

Blest be the Lord

Bless the Lord O My Soul

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: “Champions are not born; they are made.” An attitude that characterizes all champions is “going beyond”. This is an attitude that should characterise every Christian: “going beyond” what the law commands. We pray for this grace.

Penitential Rite

L: For the times we have been satisfied with merely “going by the book”, we ask the Lord’s pardon.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, you want us to respond to God’s love with our whole heart: 

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you have made love the foundation of all commandments: 

Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, all your life was a yes to the Father and to people:

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Gloria

 

Opening Prayer

L: All-seeing God, you alone judge rightly our inmost thoughts. Teach us to observe your law from the heart even as we keep it outwardly. Purify our desires, calm every anger, and reconcile us to one another. Then will our worship at your altar render you perfect praise.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. 

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the VI Sunday of the Year

Reading 1 Sirach 15:15-20

Psalm Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

Response Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Option 1 or Option 2 or Option 3

Reading 2 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;

you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.

Acclamation

Gospel Matthew 5:17-37

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are among the disciples when Jesus challenges them that their righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees if they are to enter the kingdom of heaven. What are your thoughts and feelings when you hear this sentence and the series of “it was said… but I say to you” phrases? 

Sunday Snippets

There were two junior executives in a company. Both were diligent workers. One always went by the book and never erred. The other went beyond the book and made mistakes. When there was an opening for a senior executive position, the managing director promoted the second exec. Mr By-the-Book was enraged and questioned a director about the decision! He had a better record; he never made mistakes; he always followed the book. The director replied: “Yes! But what will you do when something comes up that isn’t in the book? You know the rules. He knows our rationale; he knows the mind of the directors.”

It’s not enough to go by the book. Often in life—and always in the Christian life—we need to go beyond the book. 

In the gospel, Jesus challenges his disciples to go beyond the book, to surpass the righteousness of the scribes/Pharisees. In the Jewish perspective, one was righteous if one kept the law. For Jesus, it’s not enough to tick the commandment boxes! 

Jesus identifies the causes of sin and calls his disciples to also avoid the causes of sin. He does this through six illustrations (four in today’s text) which have the form “it was said… but I say to you.” The first part of the statement recalls the Law of Moses; the second part is the challenge to “go beyond”.

Disciples must 

a) avoid murder and avoid attitudes/behaviour that inappropriately express anger. 

b) avoid adultery and have hearts free of lust.

c) avoid divorce and remain faithful to the marriage covenant.

d) avoid all oaths.

It’s not enough to know and keep the rules. We need to know the rationale for the rules and keep their spirit. We need to know why we are disciples and who we should be… by knowing Jesus, putting on his mind, and living his values. 

Am I ready to go beyond “the book”? Am I ready to imitate the One who came to “fulfil the law”? 

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1: Which do I choose: life or death; good or evil? Do I always know which is which? How do I discern when I do not know or I am unsure? Why did God give us free choice?

Reading 2: How is it that the Spirit can scrutinize the depths of God? Is that same Spirit present in me?

Gospel: Jesus is critical of the Pharisees’ type of righteousness, which focuses on externals. How do these things relate to the inner spirit of the law? How do they relate to loving God and neighbour?

How does accepting the spirit of the law, not just the letter, lead to personal freedom? 

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: Sisters and brothers, let us pray to God our Father, whose law is a light for our life: Lord, hear our prayer.

R: For the leaders of the Church: that the Spirit may lead them to a deeper understanding of the wisdom of God so that they can share the values that will lead believers to live the Gospel more faithfully, we pray to the Lord… 

R: For world leaders: that they continue to search for ways to heal wounds and to promote peace and justice for all, we pray to the Lord…

R: For all who are struggling with moral decisions: that the Spirit of God may inspire them with wisdom, help them to recognize the greatest good in their options, and connect them with a supportive community, we pray to the Lord…

R: For healing: that God may heal the sick, give hope to those preparing for surgery, comfort the parents of sick children, and strengthen all who care for the sick, we pray to the Lord…

R: For ourselves: that we may persistently seek greater holiness and never be satisfied with merely fulfilling the letter of the law, we pray to the Lord…

L: Lord our God, give us the courage to be free and responsible for ourselves and for others, and to live by the spirit of your commandments. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

Lord,

God of wisdom,

why do you let us choose?

Help us always to choose life and you.

Lord,

let us grasp the core and crux of your law:

justice; love; compassion.

Let your law make us holy…

not like the Pharisees,

who blow trumpets before they give,

but by going beyond the law 

to keep its spirit.

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: Lord God, loving Father, in your Son Jesus, you have shown us how we should seek and fulfil your loving will. Dispose us to respond to your love from the depth of our heart and to be faithful to you in all we do.

Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

Change My Heart Oh God

Let Justice Roll Like a River

V Sunday of the Year

RELIGION: BEYOND RULES-RITUALS-RHETORIC

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

Light of the World

A Light Within The World

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: We often think of religion as a list of rules to follow and a series of rituals to perform. Today’s readings paint a different picture of religion. Religion is not about rules and rituals. Religion is about living upright lives; it is about living in love. We pray that we may live this kind of religion.

Penitential Rite

L: For the times religion was only about rules and rituals, we ask the Lord to forgive us.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, you are the true light that enlightens all people: 

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you call us to be the salt of the earth: 

Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you urge us to let our light shine before others:

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Gloria

 

Opening Prayer

L: Heavenly Father, you have called your Church to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Give us vigorous faith and a love that is genuine, so that all may see our works and give you the glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. 

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the V Sunday of the Year

Reading 1 Isaiah 58:7-10

Psalm Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Response The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.

Option 1 or Option 2 or Option 3

Reading 2 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;

whoever follows me will have the light of life.

Acclamation

Gospel Matthew 5:13-16

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are among the disciples when Jesus tells them that they are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. What are your thoughts and feelings when you hear these phrases? 

Sunday Snippets

A little girl was visiting her grandparents, who held that Sunday should be a day of quiet and that the Bible was the only book to be read. The girl could neither play nor prance about. One Sunday, she asked for and was given permission to walk to the gate. There she saw the old mule standing with his head bowed and his eyes closed. She patted him, and said: “Poor old fellow, have you got religion, too?” 

Isn’t that how many view religion: a set of do’s and don’ts, practices and prayers? And many are completely turned off by the rules and rituals and rhetoric that we think comprise religion.

This Sunday’s readings paint a very different picture of religion! 

The context of the first reading is a critique of ritualistic fasting. Isaiah insists that true religion consists in being just and in removing need and oppression. The consequence of such religion: “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn... then shall your light rise in the darkness.” 

In the second reading, Paul critiques preaching which is nothing more than empty rhetoric.

For Jesus, discipleship is being “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. Salt and light function in three ways: by associating with the things they want to change; by being different from them; and by making a difference. 

Also, women in Israel placed salt at the base of ovens and then a salt-dung mixture on it; the salt acted as a catalyst and caused the dung to burn. To be the salt of the earth is to be a catalyst to start fires. When Jesus’ disciples do this, they will also be “light of the earth”. In much of the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus will spell out how to be salt and light, he will articulate this very different and radical way of looking at religion… which is living in love.

Will I live true religion—sharing with the needy, being just, removing oppression? Or will I be satisfied with rules, rituals, rhetoric which lead to bowed heads, closed eyes, heavy hearts? How will I be the salt of the earth, a catalyst to light fires in people’s lives?  

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1: “Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.” What do I need to do for light to rise in the darkness?

Reading 2: Paul writes: “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling… so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” On what does my faith rest?

Gospel: Jesus called his disciples “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. How can I be salt and light? 

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: Sisters and brothers, let us pray to the Father of light that we may truly become the salt of the earth and the light of the world: Lord, hear our prayer.

R: For the Church: that we may be salt and light to our world and that our words and deeds may be instruments of healing and transformation for our society, we pray to the Lord… 

R: For world leaders: that they continue to search for ways to heal ancient wounds and find ways of promoting peace and justice for all, we pray to the Lord…

R: For those who live in the darkness and despair of poverty, violence, trafficking, slavery, and abuse: that the light of God’s love may bring them hope, we pray to the Lord…

R: For all who are ill: that the Spirit may ease their suffering, bring encouragement through the care of the Christian community, and restore them to wholeness, we pray to the Lord…

R: For ourselves: that we may not be distracted by the false lights of a superficial life but recognise that we can find true light through following Jesus’ example and words, we pray to the Lord…

L: Lord God, we pray that your light may shine on all the earth. Limited though we are, let our words and actions reflect the light of your love. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

Lord,

show us how to be the salt of the earth

and the light of the world.

Help us to share our bread with the hungry,

to shelter the homeless and clothe the naked,

to remove oppression and malicious speech

to help the immigrant and free captives.

Help us take your light wherever there is darkness.

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: Lord our God, you have given us the salt and light of your Word. May it make us a city of light on a hill-top to bear witness to your integrity, love and justice in this world.

Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

This Little Light of Mine

We are the Light of the World

IV Sunday of the Year

NOBODY’S CHILD? GOD’S!

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

Though the Mountains May Fall

These Alone are Enough

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: There are times in our lives when we feel down and out; we feel we have reached the end of our strength. Today’s readings assure us that God is our strength and we completely depend on him. When we realise/ acknowledge our dependence on God, we know peace.

We pray that we remain aware of our dependence on God and experience his nurturing presence in our lives.

Penitential Rite

L: For the times we have relied only on our strength, we ask his pardon.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, you were poor in spirit and depended totally on your Father: 

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you were meek and humble of heart: 

Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of peace:

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Gloria

 

Opening Prayer

L: O God, teach us the hidden wisdom of the gospel, so that we may hunger and thirst for holiness, work tirelessly for peace, and be counted among those who seek first the blessedness of your kingdom.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. 

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the IV Sunday of the Year

Reading 1 Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Psalm Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Response Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Option 1 or Option 2 or Option 3

Reading 2 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad;

your reward will be great in heaven.

Acclamation

Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are among the disciples when Jesus begins to teach them after “he went up the mountain”. What are your thoughts and feelings when you hear (each of) the beatitudes? 

Sunday Snippets

“Nobody’s Child” is a song about a blind orphan boy, who feels nobody wants him. Many visit the orphanage to adopt children, but – because he is blind – they leave him behind. He feels the absence of love.

There are moments in our lives when we feel like “nobody’s children”: unwanted, unloved, misunderstood, rejected; we consider ourselves failures. Today’s readings tell us that we have no cause for despair… because our God prefers the nobodies of the world! 

In the first reading, Zephaniah speaks of and to “a people humble and lowly”. These – the remnant of Israel/anawim – are a small group of people who, despite difficulties and trials, have been faithful to God. While others turn to worldly wealth and power, these know that their power lies in God alone. Hence, they shall know true peace: “they shall pasture… with none to disturb them”! The anawim are a concrete sign of God’s power working among the nobodies of the world. 

This is the thrust of the gospel beatitudes! 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit…” The ‘poor in spirit’ do not have the resources to meet their needs and recognise their total dependence on God. Jesus does not justify/extol economic poverty; he calls his disciples to recognise their complete dependence on God and to give up self-reliance. “… for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” He assures them that when they are ‘poor in spirit’ they will experience deep communion with God now.

The second to the seventh beatitudes spell out aspects of being ‘poor in spirit’.

In the eighth beatitude, we hear again the refrain: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Those declared ‘blessed’ are those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Righteousness, for Matthew, is doing God’s will always.

The readings remind us that – however painful the circumstances – the anawim experience the grace of God and intimate communion with him… here and now and always.

In my darkest hour, in moments of intense isolation and pain, in moments when I feel like nobody’s child, can I be ‘poor in spirit’? Can I acknowledge my nothingness before God and my complete dependence on him? If yes, mine is the kingdom of heaven.

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1 : God promises to leave a humble “remnant” in the people’s midst. One of their rewards was “they shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.” Is there always a certain happiness and peace found in the love of God? 

Reading 2: How can the “weak of the world shame the strong”? What does this mean to me: is weakness a priority for me or is it strength? Is non-violence a weakness or is it strength?

Gospel: How can I make the beatitudes a way of life for me? 

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: Sisters and brothers, let us pray to our Father in heaven that we may be counted among the poor and humble who totally depend on him: Lord, hear our prayer.

R: For the Church: that we may embrace the beatitudes by walking humbly and finding our strength in Christ, we pray to the Lord… 

R: For world leaders and members of legislatures: that their hearts may be sensitive to the needs of the poor and voiceless as they formulate new policies and budgets, we pray to the Lord…

R: For all who hunger in whatever way: that they may be satisfied, we pray to the Lord…

R: For all who are ill: that the Spirit may ease their suffering, bring encouragement through the care of the Christian community, and restore them to wholeness, we pray to the Lord…

R: For greater stewardship of creation: that we honour the way in which God has created the world and work to maintain balance within nature, we pray to the Lord…

R: For ourselves: that we may recognize the blessedness God gives us and manifest it in our lives through loving sacrifice, deeds of justice, and words of compassion, we pray to the Lord…

L: Lord our God, from whom all good things come, we pray today for all those living between hope and fear and for ourselves. Set us free from anxiety and from false security and give us all that is good. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

We thank you, Lord our God,

for people who have made themselves poor

to enrich others;

for people who can listen to the miseries of others,

for people who can console;

for people who spread peace and rest,

who are attentive to little things,

who are happy when others are great;

for people who hunger for justice

who crave to see every person free,

who suffer when injustice is done to their neighbour;

for people whose judgment is gentle,

who respect the mystery of all life,

who open their hearts to forgiveness and reconciliation;

for people whose intentions are straightforward,

whose words are sincere;

for people who believe in roads to peace,

who turn their swords into instruments of friendship;

for all the happy people

whose liberating lifestyle

is a refreshing ray of hope to all. Amen.

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: Lord God, loving Father, give us the blessedness which you offer us through your Son. Make us aware of the poverty of our hearts, that you can fill us with yourself and with love and concern for people. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

We are the Light of the World

Seek First the Kingdom of Heaven

III Sunday of the Year

A LIGHT TO THOSE IN DARKNESS

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

City of God

Light of the World

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: Today’s readings emphasise that Jesus is the light to the people who sit and walk in darkness. 

We ask the Lord to remove the darkness in our lives. We ask for strength that we may continue his mission to bring light to “the people who sit in darkness”.

Penitential Rite

L: For the times we preferred being in the darkness and have not responded to the Lord’s call, we ask his pardon.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world: 

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you invite us to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand: 

Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom and healed the sick:

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Gloria

 

Opening Prayer

L: God of salvation, the splendour of your glory dispels the darkness of earth, for in Christ we behold the nearness of your kingdom. Make us quick to follow where he beckons, eager to embrace the tasks of the gospel. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. 

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the III Sunday of the Year

Reading 1 Isaiah 8:23—9:3

Psalm Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

Response The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Option 1 or Option 2

Reading 2 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom

and cured every disease among the people.

Acclamation

Gospel Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are in Galilee when Jesus begins his ministry. What are your thoughts and feelings when he begins his ministry in “Galilee of the Gentiles” and when you hear him call his first disciples to follow him? 

Sunday Snippets

Mother Teresa visited a man who lived alone. His room was dark and dirty. She started cleaning the room. The man gruffly asked her to leave it as it was. She kept cleaning. Under a pile of rubbish, she found a dirty oil lamp. She asked: “How come you never light this lamp?” He replied: “Why should I light it? No one ever comes to see me. I never see anybody.” “Will you light it if one of my sisters comes to see you?” “If I hear a human voice, I’ll light the lamp.”

Two sisters began visiting him. His situation and he gradually improved. Then one day he told them: “Sisters, I’ll manage on my own from now. But do me a favour. Tell that first sister who came to see me that the light she lit in my life is still burning.”

What Mother Teresa did for that poor man (and countless others) was to continue the mission of Jesus: to bring light to “the people who sit in darkness”.

The gospel announces the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. It is significant that Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee. For Matthew, this is the fulfilment of Isaiah’s oracle (First Reading) concerning the Messiah: the darkness of Galilee’s Assyrian captivity will end and the “great light” of their deliverance will appear.

Further, Galilee was home to Jewish immigrants who, for centuries, were surrounded and influenced by Gentiles. The people of the southern kingdom of Judah looked down on them. Jesus, himself an immigrant, begins his ministry among these outcasts, the “lost sheep of the house of Israel”.

Jesus’ mission is to proclaim and establish the kingdom of God: a state of love, justice, and peace; a reversal of darkness and oppression of every kind. He does this by teaching and healing people, by calling them to “repent” and to follow him. 

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light – that is today’s good news. But our reality is that we still live in darkness; we still face isolation and oppression. 

The Lord, who called Simon and Andrew, James and John, calls us to follow him to continue his mission to bring light to “the people who sit in darkness”.

Who are the people who sit in darkness in my life? And how will I bring light to them? Will I leave my “boat” and “nets” (my securities, my old value system) to follow him?

May we who “have seen a great light” allow this light to remove all darkness from our lives.

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1 and Gospel: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” From where does the “darkness” in today’s world come? How can I help bring the “light” into darkness? 

Reading 2: Paul urges the Corinthians that “there be no divisions among” them. What are the causes of disputes/ division in our communities and churches? What are ways to handle disputes so that good or growth could come out of them?

Gospel: “At once they left their nets and followed him.” What made Simon-Andrew and James-John respond to Jesus’ invitation? 

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: Sisters and brothers, let us pray to God our Father that the light of his Son Jesus may bring hope and salvation to all: Lord, hear our prayer.

R: For the Church: that we may have the freedom to leave everything to follow Jesus’ call and be a light to those in darkness, we pray to the Lord… 

R: For the world: that all who find themselves in darkness may be renewed in mind and spirit with a vision and promise of life and wholeness, we pray to the Lord…

R: For healing in communities: that those who are experiencing struggles and rivalries may allow the Spirit to touch their hearts so that the Body of Christ may be one in serving and praising God, we pray to the Lord…

R: For all who are ill: that the Spirit may ease their suffering, bring encouragement through the care of the Christian community, and restore them to wholeness, we pray to the Lord…

R: For greater stewardship of natural resources: that we may balance and harmonize our activities with the resources that God has entrusted to us, we pray to the Lord…

R: For ourselves: that we may allow God’s Word to enter our hearts, bring us to a deeper relationship with him, and inspire us to live more fully for him each day, we pray to the Lord…

L: Lord our God, creator of light and light itself, let your Son come among us as a pathway of life towards you. Open our eyes that we may discover him as your light that beckons us and that we may see the people around us and their hopes and pleas. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

Lord, 

you invited Simon and Andrew, James and John

to follow you as fishers of men and women.

They dropped their nets 

and followed the deep desires of their hearts.

Lord, 

thank you for calling us too.

Teach us to leave our nets and our works

to follow you in love

and to bring your light to those in darkness.

Let not differences cause dissension and division among us

but make us one heart and one soul.

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: God our Father, make us imitate your Son that we may be a light to the world, bringing a spark of hope where there is despair, the radiance of joy where there is sadness, a glow of love where there is indifference. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

Christ, Be Our Light

Shine, Jesus, Shine

II Sunday of the Year

GO!

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

Light of the World

Glory and Praise to Our God

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: A Christian, a follower and disciple of Christ, is called to be his witness in word and deed. Today’s readings remind us of this call and mission.

We ask the Lord to strengthen us to heed his call to “go and proclaim” to all people.

Penitential Rite

L: For the times we have not been his witnesses; for the times we have allowed likes and dislikes, trials and tribulations to overwhelm us, we ask his pardon.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom: 

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you are the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world: 

Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world:

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Gloria

 

Opening Prayer

L: Merciful God, you sent your Son, the spotless Lamb, to take upon himself the sin of the world. Make our lives holy, that your Church may bear witness to your purpose of reconciling all things in Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. 

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the II Sunday of the Year

Reading 1 Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

Psalm Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

Response Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Option 1 or Option 2 or Option 3

Reading 2 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.

The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us

To those who accepted him, he gave power to become children of God.

Acclamation

Gospel John 1:29-34

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are present when John the Baptist testifies to Jesus as the “the Lamb of God” and “the Son of God”. What thoughts and feelings does this testimony evoke in you? 

Sunday Snippets

Someone asked a missionary whether he liked what he was doing. His response was shocking: “Do I like this work? No! I do not like dirt. I have reasonable refined sensibilities. I do not like crawling into dirty huts.” He listed all the difficulties he endured. 

He continued: “But is a person to do nothing for Christ he/she does not like? Liking or disliking has nothing to do with it. I have orders to ‘go’ and I go. Love impels me.”

Today’s liturgy emphasises that love impels every missionary… beyond their dislikes and feelings.

In the first reading, God says that he forms his servant to bring back Jacob and Israel to himself. The mission “is too light a thing” and so the servant has “to be a light to the nations.”

In the second reading, Paul affirms that he is “called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.” The Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s Letters make it clear that Paul feels impelled to be an apostle. He has orders to “go” and he does… despite the hardships and tribulation he faces.

In the gospel, John the Baptist spells out his mission: to reveal Jesus to Israel and to testify that he is the son of God. The fact that he did not know Jesus is irrelevant; he “had” to witness to him. 

The mission of the servant, of Paul, of John the Baptist – and it is one mission – is our mission too. You and I are called to be a light to the nations, to be apostles, to lead others to Jesus.

Do I allow love to impel me to be an apostle and a missionary? Or do my likes/ dislikes and fears prevent me from witnessing to God’s love? How will I be a light to “the nations”? How will I reveal Jesus to people around me?

May you and I “go”. May his love impel you and me!

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1: This reading contains a reference to “the servant” whom God calls to be “a light to the nations”. How can I be a light for the world? How can I be a crack of light in someone’s darkness?

Reading 2: We are “called to be holy.” What does “holy” mean to me? How can I be “holy”?

Gospel: John says twice that he did not know Jesus. How/why was he so certain about Jesus when he said: “Behold the Lamb of God”? Was John watching for the Spirit? Do I watch for the Spirit in my life? How can I find and trust this Spirit of God? 

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: Sisters and brothers, God calls us to be his witnesses and to bring his message of salvation to all people. We ask for the grace and the strength to respond to this mission, as we pray: Lord, hear our prayer.

R: For the Church: that we, who are called to be holy, allow the grace of God to work in us and form us into his people, we pray to the Lord… 

R: For leaders of nations: that that they use their gifts in the service of God so that God’s work may be accomplished, we pray to the Lord…

R: For all who are ill or have suffered from natural disasters: that they may know God’s comforting presence and be strengthened by his Spirit, we pray to the Lord…

R: For parents and catechists: that like John the Baptist, they introduce and lead young people in their care to a deeper relationship with Jesus, we pray to the Lord…

R: For a spirit of stewardship: that we may protect and care for all God’s creation, we pray to the Lord…

R: For ourselves: that we be a light to the nations and instruments of God’s saving message to all, we pray to the Lord…

L: God our Father, John the Baptist pointed out your Son as the Saviour of the world. Give us the courage to bear witness to Jesus, your chosen One, who is Lord forever and ever.

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

Lord, 

you called your servant to be a light to the nations;

you called Paul to be an apostle;

you called John to point out the Lamb of God.

You call us, 

each in our way, in our place, in our time,

to witness to your saving love in Jesus.

Strengthen us with your Spirit

and make us holy

that we may tell all the ends of the earth 

of your saving love and about the Lamb of God.

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: God our Father, John the Baptist pointed out your Son as the Saviour of the world. Give us the courage to bear witness that he takes away the sin of the world and that he is your chosen One. He is Lord for ever and ever.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

A Light Within the World

Here I Am, Lord